Veteran retailers that did not initially embrace floating luxury vinyl tiles (LVT) are now converting to the glueless method, saying it appeals to end-users; has a compelling upgrade story; and, simplifies the installation process.

“After my first experience with floating LVT, I was adamant to glue products down because I was afraid they wouldn’t hold up as well with only a click system,” he said. “Now I’m making a 180-degree turn. I’m now a click convert.”

Kaspin’s change of heart occurred in early March when he received and tested samples of Alloc Dream Click and Shaw VersaLock — two new mechanically-locking LVT lines launched earlier this year.

“Immediately we were impressed by the mill work; both products are engineered very well,” said Kaspin. “They’re also two of the nicest looking wood visuals I’ve seen in vinyl. They have great graining. And obviously my installers were happy to be working without glue.”

The new line is an instant hit. Kaspin has already closed four jobs, including a rare light commercial installation at a chiropractic office.

“I’m looking at 44 cartons of Alloc Dream Click right now,” he said. “I have two more installations for it on Wednesday and Thursday. I don’t regret waiting this long to adopt click LVT. I needed to see how these products held up under certain conditions.”

Savvy dealers who have embraced floating LVTs are now strategically positioning them as premier “step up” products within their vinyl offering, according to Ed Keller, executive vice president and general manager of Tampa, Fla.-based Bob’s Carpet Mart.

“There’s an opportunity for sheet vinyl at the opening price points and then there’s glue-down planks and now I’m upgrading them all the way with locking products,” said Keller. “It’s another level you can step the customer up to. They’re already familiar with the locks because of laminate. Prices have been floating all over the place but we’re still getting $2.50 a square foot. That’s more than we get for some of our laminates.”

Keller, like a lot of dealers, has dramatically expanded his floating LVT offering which now includes Mannington, Mohawk and Shaw click products; Armstrong’s grip-strip Luxe; and, loose lay formats from FreeFit and Shaw.

The accelerated growth of floating LVT is altering dealer showrooms, with many dealers choosing to clear out laminate displays to make more room for new LVT introductions. And there’s no shortage of willing suppliers contending for that space, with more than 70 registered exhibitors of LVT at Surfaces 2013.

“I used to carry a lot of laminate. I had Wilsonart and everyone else,” said Jerry Butler, owner of Fred’s Carpet Plus in Torrance, Calif. “Now I carry three laminate brands but I have half a dozen LVT suppliers. LVT sales have surpassed laminate in our store and it’s greatly due to being waterproof and available in floating formats.”

The pace at which floating LVT is catching on is already impacting the entire industry, said Sam Roberts, president of Houston, Texas-based Roberts Carpet and Fine Floors.

“This is one of those critical moments in business when a change is occurring, and in the case of floating LVT it’s happening at an accelerated pace,” he said. “LVT is gaining a lot of traction. It’s still not a total percentage anywhere near carpet or hardwood but it’s gaining. The visuals have become a lot better. And now the absolute ease of glueless installation has propelled the category to a new level.”